Madonna Inn San Luis Obispo

The Madonna Inn has been around for almost 50 years. Sitting on the Madonna Ranch, it is known for its theme rooms, gaudy decor and over the top architecture, it is really a jewel of California's central coast.
The coffee shop is known around the world for having pink sugar. Although that might not be such a novelty now, back in the 1960's it was very unique. It was actually the question to a Jeopardy answer once.
Madonna Inn's bakery makes some of the areas most beautiful cakes for restaurant patrons, parties, weddings, and more. Their desserts are delicious.
Theme rooms at the inn are fantastically creative. I remember visiting the jungle room when I was a little girl and I wanted to live there. Since every room has a different name and theme, people who visit regularly can experience an entirely different vacation each time. With names like; Fabulous Fifties, Cabin Still, Caveman Room, and so many more, it's no wonder I wanted to live there as a child!
Be prepared; Alex Madonna let his wife, Phyllis, design all of the interiors and she loves PINK!
The wine cellar is a favorite gathering place for local reunions, wedding receptions, parties, etc. The men's bathroom there has a waterfall urinal that attracts the curiosity of women and men alike and makes it a bit of an adventure for the men who actually need to use it.
Monday nights is swing dancing in the dance area next to the bar on the main level.
The Inn offers a gift shop, women's clothing store, coffee shop, wine cellar, restaurant, bar, banquet room, and a separate building for larger gatherings; the Expo Center, located north of the brood mare and foal pastures.
Because the Madonna’s breed beef cattle and breed and train champion quarter horses, you'll see a rodeo arena, dozens of brood mares, foals in season, stallions, barns, pastures of beef cattle, and all of the things you'd expect on a working cattle and horse ranch.
I used to ride my horse to the arena for practice and competitions so I have very special memories attached to the ranch itself. I boarded a horse next to the Madonna's property and had free run of their entire ranch. If they knew how many times I got tossed on my butt on the ranch when a horse lost its footing or bucked, they may have changed their mind about having me there!
A steep road from the base of Madonna Mountain to the top takes time to hike but is well worth it for the views. I'm not sure if the mountain is still open to hikers but there used to be a sunrise Easter service on the top of the mountain every year.
Phyllis used to have a Christmas tree of lights placed on the top of the mountain every December. I don't know if she still has them put up.
The Madonna’s operate a limousine service! I'm not familiar with it but because we're in wine country, it's not a stretch to assume you could rent one out for a few hours and go on a tour.
I invite you to come to my hometown of San Luis Obispo and experience Madonna Inn.